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Saturday, July 4, 2009
Hardy's Not Picking Next Fight, Addresses Condit
 MMAInsider caught up with UFC welterweight Dan Hardy in Los Angeles as he prepared for the festivities of July 4 -- namely, taking on grill duties and eating everything in sight.
A speculative match-up that recently made the internet rounds was Carlos Condit. Good match-up: Condit has solid Muay Thai skills and is great off his back. Hardy is an excellent kickboxer and showed he's no slouch on the mat against Marcus Davis at UFC 99.
With Martin Kampmann and Mike Swick doing battle in September for what could be the next contender slot, Condit coming off a loss to Kampmann after a long run as WEC champ, and Hardy continuing to build his name, one might think, why not?
For one, Hardy is a less excited, and what's more, he's taking a backseat in the next fight of his UFC career.
"I've seen Condit come up quite a bit and a few others as well. I think it's a great fight. I really don't mind who they pick. Obviously with me being quite aggressive about picking my last fight, I'm kind of looking forward to handing this one over to Joe Silva, and letting him pick the fight for me."
Most fans believe Condit would have the advantage on the ground, and Hardy doesn't necessarily disagree. But for those who think he would be a submission victim, he begs to differ.
"Realistically, he probably does have a slight advantage on the ground if you look at his record, because he has a lot more submissions than I have. But for my last three fights, I've been destined to get my ass kicked by every one of them and it hasn't happened yet, so at some point people are going to stop doubting me and realize that I'm not such a pushover."
From his perspective, their recent records say more about the fight's likelihood.
"He's coming off a loss and I'm coming off three wins, so I don't know whether the UFC will see that as a viable fight for me," he said. "Maybe he should get someone like Davis next, I don’t know. I really don’t know what value it would be to me, to be honest, apart from being fun."
At the moment, he has nothing booked, but a fall return is his preference.
"I'm just waiting around at the moment," he said. "I think it's going to be sometime in October or November."Labels: Carlos Condit, Dan Hardy
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:05 AM
Friday, July 3, 2009
Ken Shamrock's All Women's MMA Reality Show Starring Tonya Evinger
 PRESS RELEASE:
FightLife bases a group of eight professional female fighters in one house where they live, breathe and make their money off the sport of Mixed Martial Arts fighting. The series will focus on the girls' real lives – hardcore partying, the drama, catfights, relationships, owning and operating fight shop, intense physical training led by Ken Shamrock, and their professional MMA fights.
FightLife (wt), starring popular and outspoken fighter Tonya Evinger, combines some of the biggest names in MMA with the drama and extreme lifestyles these female fighters experience on a day-to-day basis. It's a complete picture of what goes on inside and outside the octagon.
The show also has co-stars Ken Shamrock, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) World Champion and UFC Hall of Famer, as the fighters' coach and trainer; female coach Kelley Weatherford from Freestyle Gym in Reno; and female MMA promoter Mario Horta.
The series will follow the girls from their hardcore training to their wild partying and showcase each of the girls in a full MMA match throughout the series, organized by Horta.. The group of eight girls each have unique backgrounds, which will provide for compelling storylines throughout the series.
Click Here to Watch Trailer Labels: FightLife, Ken Shamrock, Tonya Evinger
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 5:50 PM
Why Brian Bowles is the No. 1 WEC Bantamweight Contender
Brian Bowles highlight video showcasing why he is the number one contender to WEC bantamweight champ Miguel Torres.
Would anyone disagree?Labels: Brian Bowles, Miguel Torres, WEC
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:00 PM
Vitor Belfort on Mousasi, Affliction, UFC, and more...
Vitor Belfort talks with ESPN 1100's Steve Cofield about his move down to the middleweight division, Gegard Mousasi, fighting for Affliction, and whether or not he'll make the move to the UFC to challenge middleweight champion Anderson Silva.Labels: vitor belfort
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:05 AM
Thursday, July 2, 2009
UFC and Maxim Searching for New UFC Octagon Girl at UFC Fan Expo
It's the Ultimate gig in the world of sports modeling, and when The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) decided to search for potential new Octagon Girls, it reached out to the only magazine devoted to discovering new beauty around the world: Maxim, the largest young men's lifestyle magazine in America. The result? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for attendees of the UFC Fan Expo to be on hand when the winner of the first-ever Maxim UFC Octagon Girl Search is chosen at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, July 11th, just hours before the lights go down for the biggest event in mixed martial arts history, UFC 100.
During the two-day Fan Expo, the Octagon Girl Search will culminate with a live voting phase at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, on the main stage of Bayside Hall B. The event will feature UFC fighters and Maxim editors selecting the winner in a runway-style pageant during the UFC Fan Expo. The winning model will receive a UFC Octagon Girl contract and will be featured throughout the Maxim properties, including Maxim magazine and on Maxim.com.
Girls interested in entering the Maxim UFC Octagon Girl Search will need to pre-register at Maxim.com or at one of Maxim's upcoming casting events. Details on the casting events will be listed at Maxim.com. Participants must be 18 years of age.
Tickets for the first-ever UFC Fan Expo -- which leads up to the historic UFC 100 event that takes place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Saturday, July 11th -- are limited, but are still on sale and can be bought exclusively at www.ufcfanexpo.com. V.I.P. Passes for this event are already SOLD OUT, but Customers that purchase Expo tickets in advance will receive $10 off the two-day pass.
The UFC® Fan Expo features an unprecedented lineup of UFC, World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and former PRIDE fighters, and already confirmed to be in attendance are UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida, UFC Hall of Famers Royce Gracie and Randy "The Natural" Couture, and former world champions Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, "Suga" Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin, and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. UFC contenders Kenny Florian, Steve Cantwell, Shane Carwin, Marcus "The Irish Hand Grenade" Davis, Tyson Griffin, Clay Guida, Dustin Hazelett, Keith "The Dean of Mean" Jardine, Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann, Josh Koscheck, Joe Lauzon, Junie Browning, Nate Marquardt, Gray Maynard, Karo Parisyan, Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez, Sean Sherk and Mike Swick will also be meeting fans, along with The Ultimate Fighter winners Nate Diaz and Efrain Escudero.
Fans of the PRIDE Fighting Championships will have the chance to re-live the excitement of Japan's classic organization as well, with MMA icons Renzo Gracie and Gary Goodridge being joined by "The Texas Crazy Horse", Heath Herring, and Brazilian superstars Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.
And if that's not enough MMA star power, the premier fighters of the WEC will be on hand to sign autographs, with current champions Miguel Torres, Mike Brown, and Jamie Varner sharing the convention center floor with Urijah Faber, Jens Pulver, Brian Bowles, Joseph Benavidez, Donald Cerrone, Leonard Garcia, Ben Henderson, and Alex Karalexis.
Among the UFC Fan Expo's two-day roster of activities will be the aforementioned meet and greets with legendary UFC, WEC, and PRIDE fighters, MMA demonstrations, fan-inspired special events, training and development sessions, and other exciting opportunities and entertainment. All the UFC Fan Expo activities will be planned in conjunction with UFC 100, including the free-to-the-public weigh-in event on Friday, July 10th.Labels: Maxim, Octagon Girl, UFC 100, UFC Fan Expo
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 8:42 PM
MMA Live Starts Looking Ahead to UFC 100
ESPN's MMA Live, with special guest Pat Miletich, bread down the upcoming UFC 100 fight card, talk Hawaiian MMA, Roger Huerta, and more...Labels: MMA Live, Pat Miletich, UFC 100
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 5:05 PM
Art of War 13, Rolles Gracie Returns to China
 PRESS RELEASE:
Since 2005, the Art of War Fighting Championship has strived to establish itself as China's premier mixed martial arts organization. Featuring China's best martial arts athletes, the Art of War is recognized by fans and industry experts as the pioneer and leader of China's mixed martial arts revolution. The Art of War Fighting Championship 13 "Rising Force" returns to the National Olympic Sports Center on July 18, 2009 with 12 action-packed mixed martial arts fights for your entertainment pleasure.
Under Card:
84 kg - Xu Chao (China) versus Yoann Gouaida (France)
90 kg - Luo Qiang (China) versus Dorjderem Munkhayasgalan (Mongolia)
78 kg - Kim Dong Hyung (Korea) versus Lubomir Guedjev (Bulgaria)
66 kg - Ning Guang You (China) versus Kang Kyung Ho (Korea)
72 kg - Bernueng Sakhomsin (Thailand) versus Jadambaa Narantungalag (Mongolia)
Main Card:
72 kg - Yu Woo Sung (Korea) versus Egon Racz (Slovakia)
72 kg - Wu Hao Tian (China) versus Shukhrat Minavarov (Uzbekistan)
96+ kg - Katsuhisa Fujii (Japan) versus Rodney Glunder (Holland)
72 kg - Dai Shuang Hai (China) versus Marcin Pionke (Poland)
96+ kg - Rolles Gracie (Brazil) versus Yim Joon Soo (Korea)
78 kg - Wang Sai (China) versus Claes Beverlov (Sweden)
*Fight card subject to change
Let's take a look at the main card...
72 kg match
The main card will feature up-and-coming Korean fighter, Yu Woo Sung "Bronco" (10-3), who was the 2006 Spirit MC Welterweight Tournament Finalist. His opponent is the always tough and durable, Egon Racz (1-2) of Slovakia, who is returning to the Art of War ring after a one year absence. Bronco is a very strong wrestler who will look to bring the fight to the ground where his powerful ground and pound skills give him a big advantage. Racz is an expert striker with over 100 matches to his credit and also the 2006 European open Muay Thai champion, and the 2005 European kickboxing champion. No doubt he will be looking to stop Bronco with a powerful knockout.
72 kg match
After dominating his opponent in AOW12, Chinese fighter, Wu Hao Tian (6-0), will be returning to face his toughest challenge yet in Shukhrat Minavarov of Uzbekistan. Minavarov is a 3x Central Asia kickboxing champion and 2007 World Kickboxing Federation world champion. Wu Hao Tian will have to display perfect grappling skills if he is to get Minavarov to the ground and force the submission. Minavarov is also an expert in combat sambo and claims to be unafraid of Wu Hao Tian's ground skills.
96+ kg match
Katsuhisa Fujii (9-17) of Japan will face the very dangerous Rodney Glunder (25-18) of Holland. Fujii is an expert grappler and is a disciple of famous Pride veteran, Kazuyuki Fujita. His opponent, Rodney Glunder, has wins over Melvin Manhoef, Cheik Congo, Valentijn Overeem, and Cyrille Diabate. Fujii is coming off a tough loss to Korean MMA superstar Choi Mu Bae and wants to get back on the winning side.
72 kg match
Dai Shuang Hai (8-0-3) "The Wolf" of China will face undefeated Polish superstar, Marcin Pionke (6-0), who is a disciple of Olympic Judo Champion, Pawel Nastula. Both are expert grapplers and strikers. Will youth and power prevail over technique and experience?
96+ kg match
Rolles Gracie (2-0) of Brazil will be facing Korean fighter Yim Joon Soo (5-5). Rolles Gracie is coming off a submission victory over Baga Agaev in Art of War 12 while Yim Joon Soo is coming off a KO victory over Yang Cheng in Art of War 11. Will Gracie be able to take the fight to the ground? Yim Joon Soo has devastating power in his hands and has proven it in previous MMA bouts. Will he be able to keep the fight standing and KO Gracie?
78 kg match
In the main event, up and coming Chinese fighter Wang Sai (2-0) will be facing Swedish newcomer, Claes Beverlov (5-2). Wang Sai will be facing a much more experienced opponent, but he has proven that he can remain calm under pressure. Beverlov is a product of the famous Legacy Gym under the leadership of Ole Baguio Larsen. This is a match up of the young guns and will no doubt end in knock out or submission.
The undercard will feature the return of WMC 70 kg world champion Bernueng Sahkomsin verus Jadambaa Narantungalag of Mongolia, who is a K1 veteran having faced such great fighters as Kid Yamamoto and Buakaw Por Pramuk. Also, Ning Guang You "The Tank" will fight Kang Kyung Ho, who is a veteran of Korea's Spirit MC and also the winner of Go! Super Korean Season 3, an MMA reality show.
What: Art of War 13 - Rising Force
When: Saturday, July 18, 2009
Where: National Olympic Sports Center
Time: 2:00 pm (doors open) 4:00 pm (event starts)
Tickets: http://www.piao.com.cn or call 400-810-3721
Information: http://www.mmachina.com or call 010-5129-5028
The Art of War Fighting Championship can be seen on Inner Mongolia Satellite TV (NMTV) from within China every SUNDAY afternoon from 12:40 pm - 1:30 pm.
Visit our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/artofwarfc.
For more information, please visit our website at http://www.mmachina.com.Labels: Art of War, Rolles Gracie
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:53 PM
Chuck Liddell Goes Platinum at UFC Fan Expo, Courtesy of JAKKS
 PRESS RELEASE:
Top UFC fighters and MMA fans will get the first look at the official Ultimate Fighting Championship action figures from leading U.S. toy maker JAKKS Pacific, Inc at UFC Fan Expo for UFC 100 in Las Vegas. The first two series of the line, Wave 0 and Wave 1 include some of the best and well known UFC fighters such as heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, Chuck Liddell, middleweight champion Anderson Silva, Forrest Griffin, Rampage Jackson, and Royce Gracie. Several of the fighters will be in attendance to view their new figures before they hit retail shelves this Fall, and are expected to meet and greet with fans at the JAKKS UFC Fan Expo booth (#427).
To help celebrate UFC 100 and the first ever UFC Fan Expo, JAKKS will also have Limited Edition UFC Fan Expo Platinum Chuck Liddell figures available for purchase by fans in attendance at the JAKKS booth while supplies last. The exclusive Limited Edition Platinum figures will be sequentially numbered 1:500 and will only be available at the UFC Fan Expo. The first 250 units will go on sale at 10:00 am on Friday with the next 250 units available Saturday starting at 10:00 am as well.
Where:
JAKKS Booth #427
Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Bayside Hall B
Located at 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
Las Vegas, NevadaLabels: Action Figures, Chuck Liddell, JAKKS Pacific, UFC 100, UFC Fan Expo
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:16 PM
GSP's Gatorade Ads Hit the U.S. In Rolling Stone
 The ever expanding world of advertising surrounding MMA superstar and UFC welterweight champion, Georges St. Pierre, hit a new market this week as the Canadian was featured on the latest ads for Gatorade's "G" campaign in Rolling Stone magazine.
St. Pierre was previously featured in a Gatorade commercial that aired all over Canada and featured other sports stars such as Miami Heat guard, Dwayne Wade, and hockey legend, Gordie Howe.
Now, Gatorade has taken the next step to push GSP out to the American fans with a two page spread in Rolling Stone that features the athlete alongside the words, "No Excuses, No Truces."
St. Pierre's manager, Shari Spencer, commented about her client's deal with Gatorade, and how the two brands will continue to grow together in the future.
"Georges' relationship with Gatorade has recently expanded into the US, where he will be featured in a national print campaign launching July 1st that includes Rolling Stone magazine and outdoor advertising in the New York City & Los Angeles markets," Spencer said.
As St. Pierre readies for his July 11 showdown against #1 contender, Thiago Alves, the Gatorade ads will continue to grow and help the sport of MMA gain even more mainstream exposure.
The only question left is when will Gatorade start a campaign centered around St. Pierre much like their 90's ads featuring basketball mega star, Michael Jordan?
"I Wanna Be Like GSP"
Labels: Gatorade, Georges St. Pierre, GSP, UFC 100
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 10:54 AM
Rampage Says Fight With Rashad in Memphis in December
Quinton Rampage Jackson, in the above YouTube video with buddy Computer from MTV's Three 6 Mafia Hollyhood, says that he is fighting Rashad Evans in Memphis, Tenn., in December, following their stint as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter "The Heavyweights."
Marc Ratner, the UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, later confirmed to MMAJunkie.com that the bout is set to take place in early December at the FedEx Forum in Memphis.
(WARNING: Explicit Language)Labels: Memphis, Quinton Jackson, Rashad Evans
posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:13 AM
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